How to Register for CRA My Account in 5 Minutes: Your Complete Guide and find the easiest way (with pictures)

Finding it difficult to register for your CRA My Account? This easy-to-follow guide for you, how to register for CRA my account.

Please note: if you haven’t filed your taxes for the current or previous year, you won’t be able to register using a CRA user ID, password, or Sign-In Partner.

What is CRA My Account?

CRA My Account is a secure online portal provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that allows individuals to access their personal tax and benefit information. Think of it as your digital tax dashboard where you can:

• View your Notice of Assessment (NOA)
• Track tax return status and refunds
• Access T4s and other tax slips
• Update personal information
• Manage direct deposit
• View expected benefit payments (e.g., GST/HST credit, child benefits)

Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or a student, CRA My Account is your go-to hub for managing your income tax and government benefits.

How to Register for CRA My Account?

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

Make sure you have these items handy before registering:

• SIN (Social Insurance Number)
• Date of birth
• Current postal code
• Amount from line 15000 of your most recent tax return (or 0 if you’re new/no return)
• Mobile device with a working camera
• Canadian Driver’s license or Provincial/Territorial photo ID card

⚠️ Note: As of July 29, 2025, CRA is not accepting passports as an ID option.

Tips: Your session in CRA will expire after 18 minutes of inactivity. Prepare your documents before you begin.

Step 1: Begin Registration

Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html and select “Sign in to a CRA account” and choose “Register for a CRA account.”

This is the first screen you’ll see on the CRA account registration page, showing where to begin the sign-up process:

Step 2: Choose a Sign-In Option

Sign-In Method	Best For
Sign-In Partner Use your online banking credentials (e.g., TD, RBC)	If you want speed, ease, and already bank with a CRA-approved partner
CRA User ID and Password Create a new CRA login	If you prefer a stand-alone login not tied to other services
Provincial Partner Use BC Services Card or MyAlberta Digital ID	If you are residents of BC or Alberta who already have a digital ID account with their province

Tips: You cannot use GC Key to sign into your CRA account.

Here’s a visual guide to how each sign appears when you register:

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

CRA requires you to confirm your identity using one of two methods:

1. Document Verification Service – You take a real-time photo of yourself and your government ID (e.g., driver’s licence) using your phone or computer camera. This allows you to activate your account right away.
2. CRA Security Code by Mail – CRA mails a one-time code to your address on file. It typically arrives in 5–10 business days, and you must enter it online to finish activating your account.

If you’re unable to use the document verification service or haven’t received your code, you can request an alternate format or contact CRA for help.

Step 4: Create Your Login & Security Info

If you chose to register with a CRA User ID and password:

• Create a unique User ID (8–16 characters) and password (8–64 characters).
• Select 5 security questions for extra protection.

Step 5: Enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA)

To enhance security, CRA requires you to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This means you’ll need to enter a one-time passcode (OTP) each time you sign in, in addition to your regular password. You can choose one of three options to receive your OTP:

Option	How It Works	Requirements	Notes
Authenticator App	Use a third-party app to scan a QR code or enter a setup key	App on phone or desktop (e.g., Google Authenticator)	Generates time-based passcodes
By Phone	Receive OTP via SMS or phone call	Valid phone number (cell or landline)	You must input the number during setup
Passcode Grid	System gives you a grid of passcodes to save/print	Ability to store or print the grid safely	Grid is valid for 18 months, renew before it expires

Step 6: Your Account is Active now!

If you verified your identity through the Document Verification Service, your account is active immediately—just log in again to start using it.

If you chose the Security Code by Mail, you must:

1. Wait for the code to arrive at your mailing address.
2. Sign back in to CRA My Account.
3. Enter the code before it expires.

Once that step is complete, your account is fully activated.

You’re All Set!

Setting up your CRA My Account is one of the best steps you can take to stay informed and in control of your tax and benefit situation. Whether you need to check your refund, update personal info, or apply for credits, it’s all just a few clicks away.

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